Summer went by way too fast this year, I didn’t even finish one bottle of sunscreen and here I am stock piling loose leaf paper like a squirrel gathering nuts. If your social media is anything like mine, it looks like we all missed summer. Whether we like it not, school happens.

As I took a few minutes to think about how this school year would be different, I realized 2018 is my 21st first day of school as a mother. I've decided that I’ll think about that another day. Let’s take it one step at a time and focus on 4 ways to make the transition a little smoother.

1) Put Documents into Word Document

The school is going to send home a mountain of papers that you need to fill out, some in duplicate. Gather the information ahead of time and type it into a word document. You’ll need names, addresses, emails and phone numbers for everyone that has authorization to pick up your child from school. Doctors, dentist and insurance information, along with preferred hospital. We are a blended family, so our children have no less than 7 people on the pick up list.

2) Print School Year Calendar

Go to the school’s website and print the current school year calendar. It will list all the vacation periods, teacher in-service days and potential make up days for inclement weather. I keep a copy with my wall calendar so when I’m making plans for a fun day or a weekend getaway, the school calendar is easily accessible.

3) Stash Tissue Packs and Sanitizer

Invest in a supply of personal tissue packs and little bottles of hand sanitizer. Stash them in your kids backpacks, the glove compartment of your car and your purse. Inevitably, someone will need a tissue and after using a tissue, you need hand sanitizer. If you can keep their hands away from their faces or at least keep their hands germ free, you might get through the first 60 days without a trip to the doctor.

4) Attend the Meet and Greet

Go to the ‘meet and greet’ at your child’s school. I understand that you may have 2 or more ‘meet and greets’, but every child is worth that small investment of your time. Make an entrance and introduce yourself to the teacher. Engage in a little small talk and always introduce your child. It breaks the ice and helps your child relax. It also makes your child memorable during a time the teacher is meeting about 100 other students.

Equally important, be a good example for your children. Let them see you engaging parents whom you don’t know. Your children should “catch” you being a friend to someone. The most effective way we can teach our children is through our example.